Wellness Series: Foods that can help with Bowel, Bladder, and Fatigue Symptoms of MS

Most dietary guidelines suggest that you ingest 25-30 grams of fiber a day for a healthy diet.

The other important prevention for both bladder and bowel problems is to drink enough fluids. 

How much is enough?  The web site, My Food Diary, provides a way to find out: 

 "... a simple equation to help adults figure their fluid needs is that for every pound of body weight, you need about half an ounce of fluid intake per day.  For instance, if you weigh 140 lbs., simply multiply 140 by .5 to estimate your daily fluid needs in ounces, then divide by eight to estimate your fluid needs in cups per day, rounding up to the nearest full cup.  [example:  140 x .5 = 70 ounces; 70 ounces divided by 8 = 9 cups of fluid per day]"

Usually this does average out to be the 8 -10 glasses a day we have always heard about.

3.  Fatigue:  Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.  The National MS society estimates that:  "Among people with MS, 76% indicate that they experience fatigue at least twice each week."  As I have stated at the beginning of this article, there are no foods which will cure your fatigue but there are definitely foods you can eat which will give you more energy.  Among them are:

• Pineapple: This fruit is rich in Manganese and Thiamin which also help to metabolize carbohydrates which in turn, gives you more energy.

• Almonds:  This power packed snack can not only decrease your appetite between meals, but is also both a source of healthy fat and protein.  And as we all know protein is essential for energy.

• Oatmeal:  Oatmeal is digested slowly and releases sugar into the bloodstream gradually thereby keeping blood sugar levels more constant and steady.  This slow absorption reduces the chance for tiredness.

• Beans:  Specifically chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, and soybeans are excellent sources of low-fat protein which helps to keep your blood sugar levels steady.

• Oranges and Grapefruits:  These fruits and/or their juices provide a hefty supply of Vitamin C which helps you to absorb iron. 

(Sources:  CBS Early Show's dietician Keri Glassman and Amanda Ursell's "DK Complete Guide to Healing Foods)

This series will continue with discussions about other healing foods and particularly those which can help with both mood and cognitive issues quite often present for those of us who have MS.  If you know of any foods which have helped you with your MS symptoms please do leave a comment or suggestion here.  We always appreciate your insights and experience.